OPINION
By Emma Bwayo
Over the years, the President has introduced many wealth creation programs that have helped people access finances and move into the money economy. Programs like Etandikwa, the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture, NAADS, NUSAF, Operation Wealth Creation, UWEP, GROW, EMYOOGA, and the Youth Livelihood Program have all made a big impact.
Now, the biggest success is PDM, which has captured everyone’s attention and excited local communities. Let’s take a closer look at his recent PDM tour to Bugisu, focusing on the wins and challenges.
President Yoweri Museveni, as the head of Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), recently toured the Bugisu sub-region from December 17–20, 2024, to assess the program’s performance. PDM, launched in 2022, aims to lift 40% of Ugandans from subsistence farming into the money economy. The tour just like other regions, provided an opportunity to evaluate the program’s successes and challenges.
In Bugisu, The President received a warm welcome, especially from ordinary citizens eager to transition into the money economy. During the tour, he visited PDM beneficiaries, such as Joseph Namikhoma in Makenya, Manafwa District.
The President promised affordable tarmac roads to address the region’s poor road network, aligning with PDM’s second pillar on infrastructure development.
Forgotten groups, like ghetto communities, benefited significantly. The President capitalized their SACCOs with UGX 800 million and later added UGX 200 million to support two more SACCOs of garage and prostitutes, enabling more individuals to join the money economy.
The visit brought the President closer to the people, strengthening his relationship with voters and building trust ahead of the 2026 elections. His presence also overshadowed recent opposition activities, such as NUP’s office launches in the region.
A youth symposium focused on mindset change and prosperity. The President donated land 10 acres for youth and 5 acres for journalists to boost economic activities and cooperation between these groups in Bugisu.
One widely debated moment was the President’s donation of UGX 100 million to prostitutes. While criticized by some, this move aligns with Museveni’s history of supporting disadvantaged groups. The business community also benefited from increased activity in hotels and restaurants during the tour.
Despite these successes, there were notable setbacks:
Local leaders appeared unprepared, struggling to identify model farmers. Unlike in other regions, Bugisu leaders were not actively involved in farming, missing an opportunity to showcase their efforts.
The region failed to present a clear disaster resettlement plan. Although the President acknowledged that UGX 10 million for resettlement was insufficient, poor living conditions in camps remained unaddressed. Leaders missed the chance to prioritize resettlement in their 18-point memo to the president.
Mindset change remains a concern, as organizational challenges limited the tour’s effectiveness.
Generally, President Museveni’s commitment to wealth creation through programs like PDM continues to leave a lasting impact. As the country moves closer to 2026, such efforts will likely strengthen the President’s legacy.
